Can You Really Eat Brownies and Be Virtuous?! Yes You Can!

Published December 14, 2011•Updated on December 14, 2011 at 5:43 pm

Greyston Bakery makes the best brownies ever… Yes, the best ones! Here's why...

Giving back could not be more delicious than indulging yourself in a delicious dessert and helping people at the same time. When we heard about Greyston Bakery in Yonkers, NY, a bakery that supports its surrounding area through community development, we were intrigued by these desserts that do good. Not only do their treats taste great, they help alleviate poverty in Yonkers one brownie at a time.

Founded in 1982 by Bernard Tetsugen Glassman, a Zen Buddhist meditation group leader, the company’s original goal was to produce a good quality product. What was just a good brownie later became a socially responsible business.

Greyston’s mission is to hire people from the community who have been unemployed or struggling and need an opportunity to get back on their feet and take care of themselves or their loved ones.

They have a program called “urban hiring," which is an “open-door” hiring policy that welcomes anyone who has faced barriers to employment. This program provides opportunities for everyone who comes through the door, regardless of race, gender, age, or social status.

The profits of the sales go to the Greyston Foundation, which provide the area with affordable housing, childcare services and health care. The organization also funds programs that benefit their workers. They provide after-school care, low-income housing, and medical support for people living with HIV/AIDS.

The Greyston Foundation has become a national model for comprehensive community development and has gained the support of many artists and celebrities. Recently actor Jeff Bridges showed up at the bakery and helped them by working on their "Free Brownie Friday".

Greyston Bakery is an example of how making a huge difference in your community can just start with one small idea. Giving back never tasted so good.

Give a sweet gift this holiday season and make a big difference. Shop now.

Make sure to tune into the "giving back" episode of "1st Look" this Saturday after "Saturday Night Live" on NBC for unique holiday gift ideas that give back!